Long gone are the days of oily, heavy meals filled with greasy potatoes and fried food. Thanks to the air fryer, preparing healthy and nutritious meals has never been easier. It’s an oven with a fan rather than a burner, meaning that it doesn’t heat the food from the inside as a regular oven does. Instead, the food is heated from the outside and the air inside that is circulated to further dry it out. This leads to crispy food with a lot less oil, leaving you with a healthier version of your favorite dishes. It doesn’t only make healthier food, but it also creates a wonderful aroma while cooking. If you own one, here’s how to clean air fryer oven the right way.
What Is Air Fryer Oven?
The Air Fryer Oven is a small, compact, and affordable kitchen appliance that uses infrared radiation to cook food. It is a great option for people who want to cook healthy and fast food without the unhealthy fats and oils that are found in traditional ovens.
1. Disconnect The Line
If you own it and use it almost every day, it’s best to freshen it after every use. The oil build-up inside it can become a grease fire hazard, posing a risk to both you and your home.
To freshen it, first, turn it off and allow the hot air to escape from the unit. Next, unplug it and take the filter, basket, and lid off.
Before cleaning it, check to see if there is any food stuck in the heating elements. If there is, fresh it out.
Next, use a brush or a sponge to clean any removable parts such as the filter basket and the lid. Be sure to get into the crevices where food can gather.
2. Clear Up Removable Parts
Even if you use a sponge to clean the removable parts, you will most likely see some meal residue. Some of it may even be stuck in the venting grills.
Use a damp cloth to wipe out the removable parts.
Next, use a brush to clean the venting grills. You want to make sure there is no dust or dirt trapped inside.
Use a vacuum or dusting brush to get into the crevices. Make sure to clean out any meal particles that may be stuck in there.
3. Wipe The Main Unit
After cleaning the removable parts, it’s time to clean the main unit. Use a damp cloth to wipe out any food residue.
Next, use a toothbrush to scrub any baked-on food from the heating elements. Make sure to get into the crevices.
Use a damp cloth to remove any excess food debris from the brush.
4. Clean The Interior
The next step is to clean the interior of it to remove residue from the mesh filter.
Turn it upside down and unplug it.
Start at one end, and use a vacuum to remove all the excess crumbs, dirt, and crumbs from the mesh filter.
Next, clean the glass or acrylic plate that the food sits on. Using a damp cloth, wipe it clean.
5. Assay The Heating Coil
The heating coils in an air fryer get very hot, and they can warp or crack if they get too hot. This is why it’s important to clean them after every use.
First, unplug it and allow it to cool down.
Next, remove the heating element and wipe it clean. Make sure there are no burn marks or scorch marks.
If there are any of these, wipe the element with a damp cloth and then wipe it out with a dry one to get rid of the moisture.
6. Clean The Air Fryer Outer
As with any appliance, it’s best to clean the exterior of it to keep it looking brand new.
Use a sponge with warm water to remove any excess oil and food particles from its outer.
Next, use a soft cloth to wipe out any food residue from the exterior.
Use a dusting rag to get into any tight spaces or cracks.
7. Withdraw Baked-On Food And Grease
Sometimes, even after thoroughly cleaning it, stubborn baked-on food residue or grease may be stuck inside.
Use it out any baked-on food from its basket. If there is grease, use a toothbrush and some mild soap to get it out.
Next, use a damp cloth to wipe out the handle of the basket.
8. Don’t Slow Down Cleaning
While it’s important to freshen it every time you use it thoroughly, you shouldn’t slow down on cleaning.
If there is any food stuck in it, be sure to clean it thoroughly. However, don’t let that stop you from cleaning other parts of the unit that may have food debris stuck in them.
As you are fresh, be sure to follow the rules of thumb cleaning: don’t let water touch the heating coils, don’t use solvents or abrasive cleansers, and don’t leave water sitting in it for more than 15 minutes.
9. Dry and Organizing
Once you are finished cleaning the air fryer, it’s time to dry it out.
First, unplug the unit.
Next, place a towel or a tea towel on the ground under the basket to catch any drips.
Now, place a towel on top of the basket to prevent water from dripping onto your floor.
After this, place the basket on top of the towel.
Allow the basket to air dry for 12-24 hours.
Final Thought
There is nothing more important than keeping it clean. Food residue and build-up on the heating coils can lead to health risks, as well as damage.
It is necessary to clean it regularly in order to maintain its performance. Follow these steps to help keep it in tip-top shape.
Clean the removable parts, the basket, and the outside of the unit. Don’t miss any spots. Clean the interior of it to remove residue from the mesh filter.
Now that you know how to clean your air fryer oven, you’ll never be short on ideas for healthy and delicious recipes again!
